Media Manager

LEWISTON – Projects to improve safe travel and extend the life of several state highways in north-central Idaho will continue through early August, the Idaho Transportation Department announced.

A properly applied seal coat can add several years of service to a roadway by sealing the surface against weather and wear.

Knife River began applying seal coats on U.S. 95 near Skookumchuck Road and Lauer Road Saturday. Both projects were expected to be completed Monday (July 2). Seven other projects are scheduled to begin later this month or the first week of August.

Seal coat projects begin with application of a layer of oil, followed by crushed rock and two rounds of surface brooming. The process seals the existing surface to help prevent moisture and freeze-thaw cycles from creating cracks or potholes.

In each of the seal coat areas, highway travel will be reduced to one lane. Flaggers and pilot vehicles will lead motorists through the work zones. Drivers should expect delays of up to 15 minutes. Most highway brooming will be done early in the morning.

Motorists are urged to use caution and patience when traveling through the work areas. To limit the risks of windshield or vehicle damage, drivers should avoid excessive speed on highways where crushed rock has been applied.

The contract for all 45 miles of seal coats in north-central Idaho is $1.7 million.

Seal coat areas:

•    July 27 – July 30, U.S. 12, five miles near Lolo Pass, between mileposts 169 and 174
•    July 30 – Aug. 1, U.S. 12, seven miles, Tumble Creek to Fish Creek, mileposts 114 – 121
•    Aug. 1 – Aug. 2, U.S. 12, 5.5 miles, Fish Creek to Post Office, mileposts 121 – 126
•    Aug. 2 – Aug.  3, U.S. 12, near Peck, five miles, mileposts 35 – 40
•    Aug. 3 – Aug. 4, Idaho 3, four miles, Bear Ridge Grade, mileposts 14 – 18
•    Aug. 4 (one day), U.S. 95, 4.5 miles, Potlatch to electrical substation, mileposts 362 – 366
•    Aug. 4 – Aug. 6, Idaho 6, 4.5 miles, near Potlatch, milepost 100 – 105